The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1887-08-18
General Butler and Mrs Mumf,rd.

One Of the most notable events OF
the war was the hauling down Of the
Federal flag by Mumford in New Or
leans after the city had surrendered.
For this daring act Munford was
hanged by the order of General Ben.
Butler. The affair created the wild
est excitement throughout the South.
The dead man was regarded as n hero
md Ben Buffers conduct was con
siderch brutal in the extreme.
From time to time since the war il
has been vaguely intiinated that But
ler was in danger OF being assassinat
ed by one Of Mumford's SONS, and
more than once imaginative ncwspa-
per correspondents have described
the FeDerals efforts to escape from
his relentless foe.
Now, all this seems probable, and
yet there isnot a word of truth in it..
During all these years Butler has re
manned silent, although the publica
tlon of the facts in the case would
have reflected the highest credit upon
him. a few weeks ago Il gentleman
saw Il newspaper statement TO the
effect that Butler had obtained II
clerkship for Muinford's widow.
Thinking that there might be nn in.
teresting story connected with it lac
wrote to the General for further in
formation. Bntlers revelation to
many people.
1t appears that in 1865 he learned
that Munford was in Washington in
great distress. An interview took
place, and tho lady stated that sub
scription raised for her benefit by the
Southern people had been invested in
II little home in Wythevillc, Virginia.
There was II carpenters lien on the
house, and it was difficult for the
family 10 got along. Butler at once
paid or the leiu and obtained Il clerk
ship for Mrs. Munfurd in the Internal
Revenue Bureau. During tho Ilayc.
Administration she was tunrned out.
Butler went to Postmaster. General
Key and laid the whole matter before
him, and secured place for the un
fortunate woman in his department,
which she held until her death.
In conclusion the General writes:
II saw in tho Southern newspapers
not uufreque that she was bring.
ing up her children and instructing
them in n vaudetta against me. In
deed, it went so far thut when | was
at the Chicago Convention in 81 II
was published in Chicago that there
was son OF Mumford's cn route from
some Western Territory to kill me in
revenge for his fathers death, and !
was advised by my friends to take
great care to let no strange man get
near me, told them il lived until
some one of Mrs. Mumford's children
Killed me ! should reach ripe old
ngc, and laughed nt that foolishness
as / hayc occasion TO laugh ut much
other nonesense.
II may he permitted to say further
that there isa great change Of feeling
apparently come over tho Southern
people in regard to my being justified
- 2, aos'~ a, CI.,ion@ q, huiuford for
hauling down the imerican flag, be
cause | saw II letter Of Governor
IitShugh Lee, when speaking of the
return Of the Confederut nag, propos
ed by the President, In which hc
winds up by saying: "lf any man
hauls down the American flag let him
be shot on the spot
This little chapter of war history is
as interesting rs anything that has
yetappeared in print. one kind nc
tion does not make man saint, but
ii should he passed up TO his credit
What Tom Reed said about John 4.
Logan will apply very well to Ben
Butler; Hes so Id humanw-At
l0nta Constitution.